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Series I: Correspondence, 1938-1981
Series II: Subject Files, 1906-1978

David Abrahamsen papers, 1906-1990

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Series III: Research Projects, 1944-1990

Series III is the largest series of the collection and is comprised of files regarding three research projects: Nixon vs. Nixon: An Emotional Tragedy, Confessions of Son of Sam, and Murder and Madness: The Secret Life of Jack the Ripper.

Subseries III.1: David Berkowitz, 1979

Interviews of David Berkowitz along with writings by him are held in this subseries.


Box 1 Folder 14 Childhood, 1979

Box 1 Folder 15 Starkweather Excerpts with Notes, 1979

Box 1 Folder 16 Interview, 1979 May 17

Box 1 Folder 17 Notarized Affidavits, 1979 May 17

Subseries III.2: Jack the Ripper, 1944-1990

The majority of the records in this subseries are drafts of Abrahamsen's manuscript. These drafts are heavily edited and illustrate the process Abrahamsen went through in order to create the final product. Correspondence with research institutions and medical doctors in England, research notes, and articles regarding personality and crime (many written by Abrahamsen) are also in this subseries.

Box 1 Folder 18 Articles, 1944-1952, 1982, 1944-1952, 1982

Box 1 Folder 19 Correspondence, 1988-1989

Drafts

Box 1 Folder 20 to 21 Chapters 1 through 3, undated, 1984, (2 Folders)

Box 1 Folder 22 Chapter 3, undated

Box 1 Folder 23 Chapter 4, undated

Box 1 Folder 24 Chapter 5, undated, 1989

Box 1 Folder 25 Chapter 6, undated

Box 1 Folder 26 to 27 Chapters 6 through 8, undated, (2 Folders)

Box 1 Folder 28 Chapter 7, undated

Box 1 Folder 29 Chapter 8, undated, 1990

Box 1 Folder 30 Footnotes, undated

Box 1 Folder 31 to 32 Research Files, undated, 1981-1990, (2 Folders)


Box 2

Subseries III.3: Nixon vs. Nixon , 1960-1977

Subseries III.3 is composed of research files with accompanying notes, correspondence with individuals who had some connection with Richard Nixon, early photographs of Nixon's family, and a draft of the manuscript with edits. Of interest are a series of interviews conducted by Abrahamsen with people who knew Nixon as a child and an adult, including a White House correspondent and Nixon's longtime campaign manager.

Box 2 Folder 1 Correspondence, 1975-1976

Box 2 Folder 2 to 4 Draft, 1977, (3 Folders)


Box 3 Nixon Film: 5 Five minute spots, undated, 1 film reels (16mm); 1-800ft reel, color, sound


Box 2 Folder 5 Interviews, 1975-1976

Box 2 Folder 6 Photographs, undated, 1960s-1970s, undated, 1960s-1970s

Box 2 Folder 7 Research Files, 1970s